Is motherhood truly every Christian woman’s highest calling, and if not, what is it?

Motherhood is an essential calling, but some women may prefer not to get married or have children. In such a scenario, women may be tempted to pursue other important callings, such as careers or ministry. These callings have their own benefits.

Motherhood is one of the most cherished callings of a Christian mother. Mary, Jesus's mother, is the epitome of motherhood.

In my view, motherhood is the highest calling for a woman of the Christian faith. Mothers can raise their children to be Christ-like and exemplify Jesus, thereby contributing positively to our world. This calling is very holy.

Significance of Motherhood in Christianity

Bible verses also talk about motherhood.

For example, Proverbs 31:28 states, "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."

Genesis also talks about the importance of motherhood.

Genesis 1:28 states, "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that crawl on the earth".

Mothers can raise their children with the same gifts as the Holy Spirit by imbibing in them compassion, kindness, meekness, generosity, love, and other positive qualities.

Mothers can also teach their children respect and fear of God. Godly children are, therefore, placed in favorable positions to contribute to society and alleviate its sufferings.

The diverse callings of Christian women

Motherhood is an essential calling, but some women may prefer not to get married or have children.

In such a scenario, women may be tempted to pursue other important callings, such as careers or ministry. These callings have their own benefits.

For example, building businesses or serving in a congregation can also have a lasting impact.

Businesses create wealth, and if this wealth is used for the benefit of society, then it can also be called a godly calling.

Similarly, women priests spread the knowledge of the gospels, which also helped reform society.

Examples in the Bible of women who fulfilled various callings include Deborah, Esther, and Mary Magdelene.

Deborah was a judge who led the Israelites to victory against the Canaanites. Similarly, Esther saved her people from genocide. Additionally, Mary Magdelene became a close disciple of Jesus and contributed to his ministry.

Whether being called to contribute towards motherhood or not, women, in general, have the feminine energy within them to bring new ideas for the development of society.

Individual calling vs. Societal expectations

There has been a lot of pressure on women to fulfill the role of motherhood, especially in Asian and African societies. Western societies have progressed a lot over the last 200 years, thereby reducing the burden on women regarding motherhood.

In some societies, women are expected to give birth to a male child, thereby making patriarchy more entrenched. However, this is also changing as a girl child is as valuable as a male child in the eye of the Lord because the Bible clearly states that all human beings are made in the image of God.

Other roles where women could adhere to a godly calling involve leadership, teaching, and even serving, such as in a restaurant or airline.

The most important factor often overlooked is that each individual has her own circumstances and personalities that are suited to a particular job.

Some women are raised in an environment of poverty and cruelty, and it might be that all they want is freedom from such circumstances, whereas other women may be raised in a more prosperous environment.

The All-Encompassing Nature of God’s Calling

All paths can honor God. Intention is what matters. No job is too small or lowly. Women can even become life coaches and help their friends or even strangers reach their potential.

Supporting All Women in Their Callings

The Church can play an essential role in affirming diverse callings.

Pastors and priests are essential in fostering an environment of brotherhood and sisterhood and guiding the members toward a holistic understanding of the Bible, which states that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

A person who fears God remains grounded and is bound to be humble, righteous, and close to God's will.

Motherhood is not only a calling for privileged women; women from all strata and races can nurture motherhood and raise their children in a way that honors God. Whether black, Asian, or Jewish, let women know that they are as important as men in God's redemptive plan for the world.

Call to Action

Whether Protestant, Catholic or of another denomination, the role of the Bible cannot be overstated. It is one of the most helpful and most sold books in humanity and can have an everlasting impact on readers. For this reason, women are encouraged to read this holy text and understand more about motherhood by reading its important verses.

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Jamie Larson
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